Protesters force cancellation of ASEAN summit

Anti-government protesters in Thailand have forced the cancellation of the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. fter swarming into the hotel where it is being held. The protesters, who wear red, swarmed into the hotel where it is being held, demanding that the Thai prime minister step down and call elections. Protesters force cancellation of ASEAN summit Hundreds of anti-government protesters cheered Saturday as they streamed into the hotel where 16 Asian leaders were to hold a summit at a Thai beach resort. Security forces stood by as they entered. The protesters made no effort to threaten summit delegates and journalists in the hotel. Shortly after they smashed through the doors, the Thai government said the summit had been canceled, and declared a state of emergency in the area. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government's main task now is to make sure the delegates get home safely. The protesters support former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and consider the current government illegitimate. They demand new elections. The annual summit was to bring together the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with the leaders of Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

Protesters force cancellation of ASEAN summit

Hundreds of anti-government protesters cheered Saturday as they streamed into the hotel where 16 Asian leaders were to hold a summit at a Thai beach resort.

Security forces stood by as they entered. The protesters made no effort to threaten summit delegates and journalists in the hotel.

Shortly after they smashed through the doors, the Thai government said the summit had been canceled, and declared a state of emergency in the area. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government's main task now is to make sure the delegates get home safely.

The protesters support former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and consider the current government illegitimate. They demand new elections.

The annual summit was to bring together the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with the leaders of Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.